In the sun-drenched principality of Monaco, where glamour and tradition intertwine, the start of the school year brought a delightful dose of relatability from its youngest royals. On September 8, 2025, Hereditary Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, the 10-year-old twins of Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene, stepped out for their first day back at school, their crimson uniforms crisp and their backpacks bursting with personality. But it wasn’t their royal titles or the Mediterranean backdrop that stole the spotlight—it was their affordable, Walmart-available backpacks, emblazoned with Roblox and Sanrio characters, that sparked a global buzz. In a world where royalty often feels untouchable, these twins proved that even future monarchs can carry the same bags as kids everywhere, blending regal duty with a universal back-to-school excitement that resonates far beyond Monaco’s borders.

The scene unfolded outside the Institut François d’Assise-Nicolas Barré (FANB), a private Catholic school nestled in Monaco-Ville, where Jacques and Gabriella have been students since 2021. As the morning sun cast a golden glow over the cobblestone streets, the twins emerged hand-in-hand, their matching red polo shirts emblazoned with the school’s crest. Prince Albert and Princess Charlene, ever the proud parents, flanked their children for a series of heartwarming photos shared on the palace’s official Instagram. The caption radiated warmth: “This Monday morning, Hereditary Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella returned to school. 🎒 A new academic year full of discoveries, friendships, and adventures awaits them. The Princely Family wishes all students in the Principality a wonderful start to the school year!” But it was the twins’ backpacks—priced under $20 and available at Walmart—that turned a routine royal photo-op into a viral sensation.

Jacques, the heir to Monaco’s throne, sported a tile-patterned blue backpack featuring a character from Roblox, the wildly popular online gaming platform that’s a staple for tweens worldwide. The bag, adorned with the iconic Roblox logo, was a nod to his love for virtual adventures, proving that even a future prince isn’t immune to the allure of digital worlds. Meanwhile, Gabriella, second in line to the throne despite being born two minutes before her brother, chose a baby blue backpack showcasing Cinnamoroll, the fluffy Sanrio puppy beloved by fans of kawaii culture. The twins’ choices were a masterclass in individuality, reflecting their distinct personalities while staying firmly grounded in the everyday passions of their peers. Social media lit up with fans gushing over the relatability, with one X user exclaiming, “Jacques is a Roblox kid? Gabriella’s into Sanrio? These royals are just like my cousins!” Another chimed in, “Walmart backpacks for Monaco’s twins? That’s the royal flex we didn’t know we needed.”

The twins’ return to school marked their final year of primary education at FANB, a milestone that carries extra weight for the young royals. Now in CM2 (equivalent to fifth grade), Jacques and Gabriella are no strangers to the spotlight, having made official appearances since their birth on December 10, 2014. Yet their back-to-school moment felt refreshingly ordinary. The FANB, a modernized Catholic institution with a rooftop sports field and eco-friendly heat regulation, is a far cry from the gilded halls one might expect for royalty. Here, the twins blend in with 1,157 other students, their uniforms leveling the playing field. Princess Charlene, a former Olympic swimmer from South Africa, has long emphasized raising her children with normalcy. “My husband and I think it’s important that, at school and in their daily activities, they should live like any other child their age,” she told Monaco-Matin in a recent interview. The Walmart backpacks—accessible to anyone with a shopping cart—are a perfect embodiment of that ethos.

This wasn’t just a fashion statement; it was a glimpse into the twins’ evolving identities. Jacques, often described by his father as quietly assertive, has grown into a confident 10-year-old who “stands up” to his sister’s spirited personality. His Roblox backpack hints at a love for gaming, a passion that connects him to millions of kids worldwide. Gabriella, dubbed a “pistol” by Prince Albert for her mischievous charm, channels her flair into her Cinnamoroll bag, a nod to the kawaii craze sweeping global pop culture. The twins’ sibling bond was on full display as they held hands in the photos, their smiles radiating excitement for the year ahead. For Charlene, a doting mother who has spoken candidly about the challenges of raising twins, these moments are precious. “It’s essential but difficult to find one-on-one time,” she once shared, underscoring her pride in watching Jacques and Gabriella carve their own paths.

The Walmart connection added a layer of accessibility that captivated fans and fashion observers alike. These backpacks, available for as little as $15.98 on Walmart’s website, are a far cry from the designer totes often associated with royalty. Jacques’s Roblox bag, with its bold geometric print, is marketed as “durable and spacious,” perfect for hauling textbooks and gaming gear. Gabriella’s Cinnamoroll bag, adorned with the character’s signature floppy ears, is a bestseller among Sanrio fans, praised for its lightweight design and vibrant aesthetic. The twins’ choice to carry mass-market bags reflects a broader trend of royals embracing affordable fashion. From Princess Kate’s Zara dresses to Queen Letizia’s Mango coats, modern monarchs are redefining luxury by mixing high and low. For Jacques and Gabriella, it’s a natural extension of their parents’ grounded approach, blending Monaco’s glitz with a touch of everyman charm.

The timing of their school return added a festive backdrop to the story. Just two days earlier, on September 6, the twins joined their parents at U Cavagnëtu, Monaco’s traditional end-of-summer picnic. Held in Princess Antoinette Park, the event saw Jacques channeling his father in a navy blazer and khaki pants, while Gabriella echoed her mother’s elegance in a green floral dress. The picnic, a beloved Monagasque tradition, brought together locals and royals in a joyful celebration of community, complete with folk dancing and local delicacies. For Jacques and Gabriella, it was a final hurrah before the school bell rang, a chance to soak up the principality’s warmth alongside cousins like Charlotte Casiraghi’s sons. The contrast between the picnic’s festive chaos and the structured school day only amplified the twins’ relatability—royals or not, they’re kids navigating the same summer-to-school transition as millions.

Social media was abuzz with reactions, from heart-eyes emojis to playful debates about which backpack was cooler. “Jacques’s Roblox bag is peak tween energy,” one fan tweeted, while another declared, “Gabriella’s Cinnamoroll vibe is everything—I need that bag!” The twins’ choices sparked a mini shopping frenzy, with Walmart reporting a spike in searches for Roblox and Sanrio backpacks. Fashion blogs hailed the moment as a masterclass in “royal relatability,” noting how the twins’ affordable style mirrors their mother’s knack for blending high fashion with accessibility. Charlene, a style icon in her own right, has been spotted in everything from Prada gowns to high-street finds, setting the tone for her children’s grounded approach.

Yet, the story wasn’t without its royal context. As the children of Prince Albert, son of Hollywood icon Grace Kelly, and Princess Charlene, a Zimbabwe-born Olympian, Jacques and Gabriella carry a legacy that blends glamour with grit. Their public appearances, from state visits with French President Emmanuel Macron to their First Holy Communion in May 2025, show a growing ease with royal duties. Gabriella, the Countess of Carladès, made headlines in July when she inaugurated a square in her name in Vic-sur-Cère, charming locals with a microphone-grabbing “Hello and thank you” before blowing a kiss. Jacques, the Marquis of Baux, has quietly stepped into his role as heir, his serious demeanor at official events balanced by a playful streak. Their Walmart backpacks, then, are more than accessories—they’re a reminder that these young royals are kids first, navigating the pressures of privilege with a dose of normalcy.

The twins’ school return also sparked speculation about their future. As they approach their 11th birthday in December, questions swirl about when they’ll take on more formal roles. Prince Albert has said there’s “no precise age” for official duties, preferring to let opportunities arise naturally. For now, Jacques and Gabriella seem content with their extracurricular passions—taekwondo for Jacques, hip-hop dance for Gabriella—while excelling at FANB, where all students in recent years have passed their exams. The school’s modern facilities and diverse student body provide a fitting backdrop for two kids poised to inherit Monaco’s throne while staying grounded in a world of Roblox and Sanrio.

In the end, Jacques and Gabriella’s back-to-school moment is a story of balance—between royalty and relatability, tradition and modernity. Their Walmart backpacks, slung over crimson polos, are a symbol of that duality, proving that even princes and princesses can shop where the rest of us do. As they walked through FANB’s gates, hand-in-hand with dreams of new friendships and adventures, they reminded the world that growing up royal doesn’t mean growing up out of touch. Somewhere, amid the textbooks and pencil cases, these twins are writing a new chapter for Monaco’s monarchy—one affordable, adorable backpack at a time.